Set on a hilltop in Porto's city centre are the Gardens of the Palácio de Cristal. An 8 hectare expanse of landscaped gardens offering panoramic views of the city and Douro River below.

Created towards the end of the 19th century the layout of the gardens is the work of eminent German landscape gardener Émille David.

The gardens are an oasis of calm within Portugal's second city. Paths weave between the meticulously tended botanical gardens and lawns, and there are fountains and sculptures dotted around the park. The result is a patchwork of smaller gardens, each with its own ambience. And whatsmore - it's free!

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Porto is considered the capital of the north and as the second largest city in Portugal, rightfully so. There are really very few similarities between Porto and Lisbon – they are both near the coast, on the banks of large rivers and...